On April 18th, 2026 we had 135 students, staff, and family members gather to celebrate accomplishments and awards in the Department of Animal Science. The event was held at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center.
The 2026 Animal Science Banquet served delicious prime rib which was prepared by the Iowa State University Meat Lab. Guests participated in a dessert auction that was held during the event. Desserts were provided by Block and Bridle members, department staff, and family. The $900 raised by the silent auction was donated to Passel Provides, a non-profit organization that also works with the Block and Bridle club to support the university’s student-focused food pantry, SHOP.
Numerous students and staff are recognized at the banquet each year. Students who have earned Animal Science scholarships were displayed throughout the event, and the generous donors who make these awards possible were recognized. The Block and Bridle club also awarded $3,230 in scholarships from funds raised at their annual Cake Auction.
The Block and Bridle Club also announced its awards for those who show outstanding leadership and dedication within the club. The 2026 Block and Bridle award winners were the following:
- Outstanding New Initiate: Trudy Loecke
- Outstanding Transfer Student: Olivia Cook
- Outstanding Sophomore: Elli Blackford
- Outstanding Junior: Lauren Beyer
- Outstanding Senior: Graca Goettsch
- Leadership Award: Ava Leibfried
- Honorary Member: Dr. Jason Ross
The final award that was announced that night was the L.N. Hazel award, which is awarded to two seniors who are successful in academics, university activities, and community service. This year’s awardees were Graca Goettsch and Ryan Wolf.
Three Block and Bridle Club members served on the planning committee to host the Animal Science Banquet. Senior, Audrey Pontier; Junior, Olivia Cook; and Freshman, Sidney McCoy. They had assistance from their planning advisors, Jason Ross and Jodi Sterle and Michelle Hiscocks. The Animal Science Banquet is a student-run event that allows Block and Bridle committee members to exercise their planning, coordination, and management skills.
Congratulations to all the students and staff who were celebrated during the Animal Science Banquet. This event highlighted the community, diligence, and passion that are garnered in the Iowa State Department of Animal Science.